XN000022-1996-01-31 — Page 20

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HK committed to work towards a successful transition

The Hong Kong Government is fully committed to working towards a successful transition through effective and accountable administration, practical co- operation with the Preparatory Committee (PC) and the Chief Executive (Designate), the Secretary for Constitutional Affairs, Mr Nicholas Ng, said today (Wednesday).

Speaking in the motion debate in the Legislative Council on "shadow government", Mr Ng set out the Government's position on a number of important transition issues.

He reaffirmed that there was and could be no question of a "second power centre", or a "shadow government" in the 17 months ahead and that the Administration would provide necessary assistance to the PC and immediate assistance to the Chief Executive (Designate) when he was in place.

Under the Joint Declaration, Mr Ng pointed out: "Britain will continue to be responsible for administering Hong Kong until June 30, 1997, and the Chinese Government will co-operate in this connection".

"The Hong Kong Government will not shirk our responsibility and will not accept any shadow or parallel government.

"In the 17 months ahead, the Government will continue to discharge its responsibilities vigorously, conscientiously and in the best overall interests of the community," he said.

Mr Ng noted that senior Chinese officials responsible for Hong Kong affairs, including Mr Lu Ping and Mr Zhou Nan, had affirmed in public that there was no question of a second power centre or parallel government, and that the PC would not intervene in the administration of Hong Kong before 1997.

On the PC, Mr Ng said the Government carnestly hoped that it would take full account of Hong Kong community's wish in working for a successful transition, and in establishing a truly credible HKSAR (Hong Kong Special Administrative Region) Government.

"On our part, we are committed to provide necessary assistance to the PC. When the Chief Executive (Designate) is in place, we will likewise render immediate assistance," he said.

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